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Maui Snorkel and SCUBA

Maui is a premier vacation destination and has miles of coastline just waiting to be explored. Maui's marine life is varied and prolific. Whether you want to step off the shore and snorkel with turtles, or go diving off a boat and find a shark or two, Maui has it all.

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is a great shore or boat snorkeling (or diving) spot. There is a small sand beach at one end of the Bay; however, it`s not the nicest beach to while away the hours, so definitely plan this as a snorkel destination. Parking is sometimes hard to find and it is a short walk through jungle-like conditions, so keep that in mind when you`re packing for your adventure. During the winter, it is a well-known surf spot and there are a couple of look-out points to stop and watch the surfers.

Location:

Past Kapalua

Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is a North facing beach and more often than not, has beautiful, crystal clear water during the summer months. This is also a great spot if you are a beginner or have members of your party that only want to hang out on the beach. There is reef teeming with marine life right off shore, so weaker or beginner swimmers will still be able to experience the underwater world with the safety of being able to touch the sand at any time. For more adventurous snorkelers, there is reef beyond the safety of the shallow water and the rocks edging each side of the Bay are home to a variety of sea life as well. The beach has beautiful white sand for sunbathers or non-swimmers.

Location:

Napili

South Maui

In the winter, when swells are coming from the North (great surfing at the West Side swells), snorkeling is best in South Maui, in particular, Kihei and Wailea areas. There is a strip of beaches in Kihei: Kamooele I, II and III and the best of these three for a snorkeling spot is Charley Young beach, which is at the southern tip of Kam I. Conditions are great for swimming and the water is generally crystal clear.
There are some great spots at the end of the road (literally), Aquarium and Fishbowl, but check online first because the area has been closed since 2008 to recover from overuse. If you want to see turtles, before you get to the end of the road, stop at Maluaka Beach, or more aptly named, Turtle Town, located about 20 minutes past Kihei, next to the Makena Beach & Golf Resort.

Location:

Kihei, Wailea

Lanai

If you are venturing over to Lanai for the day, don`t forget your snorkel gear! Hulopoe Bay (walkable distance from the ferry) is the best bet for a day of snorkeling while on Lanai because it is in a bay, it is typically fairly calm as well, so it is a good spot if you`re a beginner. It is a protected marine preserve that hosts a variety of colorful fish and if you`re lucky, dolphins. There are other beaches to explore on Lanai, but they aren`t recommended for snorkel adventures, they all have strong currents and so swimming is highly discouraged.

Location:

Lanai

SCUBA

Keep in mind that most spots that are good for snorkeling are also good for SCUBA diving, West Maui in particular is good for beach dives. If you need to rent equipment, snorkel or SCUBA, there are many dive shops around Maui that can accommodate your needs. If you would prefer to snorkel, SNUBA or SCUBA from a boat, book a trip to Molokini, Lanai or Molokai. With a little research, you should be able to find the perfect boat trip for you and your family. There is an ocean to explore, get out there!

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